The last $200,000 it needs to create the bus comes soon after being advised Edward River Council is reviewing the Central Murray Regional Library structure.
In its Deniliquin Library Strategy — released as a draft in 2019 — ERC flagged an intention to develop ‘‘an alternate service delivery model for the library’’ and provide a stand alone service.
It would mean abolishing the partnership with MRC, and withdrawing library services from the Mathoura Business & Visitor Information Centre.
‘‘The Central Murray Regional Library Agreement requires strategic review as part of establishing a best value library service delivery model for the community of Edward River,’’ ERC’s strategy states.
MRC Mayor Chris Bilkey said the intention is to encourage other council area library services to extend in to Mathoura.
Council has 12 months to arrange a replacement service, but Cr Bilkey said the new mobile service could cover the area if negotiations take longer.
‘‘Mathoura is the only library service provided in our council footprint by the Central Murray Regional Library,’’ Cr Bilkey said.
‘‘Our council does not actually manage any library in our area, with others provided by Campaspe Shire and Swan Hill City Council.
‘‘We will be looking at how we can possibly extend some of those services to Mathoura. We need to sit down with each provider, and see what the options are.’’
MRC manager economic development and tourism John Harvie said in the meantime, funding confirmed this month will allow council to proceed with its new mobile service.
The 2019/20 Public Library Infrastructure Grant program funding will be added to $234,000 allocated to the project by council in its 2020/2021 budget.
‘‘The purpose built mobile bus will be owned and managed by Murray River Council,’’ Mr Harvie said.
‘‘The plan is to have book stock and items from audiovisual catalogues, and we’ll be investigating whether that will link in with the library services which already exist in our council footprint.
‘‘We also anticipate having two computer terminals, so they can be used for research, business or school work, and we want to work in with schools.’’
The mobile bus will service all communities in the council area, and particularly those without a static library service.
It will be in addition to mobile services in Moulamein and Tooleybuc which are provided through Swan Hill City Council.
Mr Harvie anticipated an order would be placed for the bus as soon as the new financial year begins. It is expected to take five months to build.
With a December 31 deadline on the grant funding, Mr Harvie expects the bus to be delivered by the end of the calendar year.
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